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Manufacturers set weight limits for their trucks and trailers. Additionally, federal and state laws not only impose overall weight limits on these large vehicles but also limit the amount of weight that is acceptable per axle. When a vehicle exceeds any of those limits, it is known as an overweight load. In some situations, a driver can get a permit for an oversized load. However, they are not allowed to carry overweight loads because of the inherent risks involved. Overloading can lead to accidents, blowouts, rollovers, and other wrecks. These loads can also cause substantial damage to roads and bridges.
If you have been injured in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Pinellas Park, there may be several legal remedies available to you. One of our experienced truck crash attorneys at Herman & Wells can help you explore those options.
Overloaded trucks are much more likely to be involved in accidents than those carrying standard loads. The extra weight can put strain on all of the truck’s components, leading to a range of issues such as tires blowing, fishtailing, jack-knifing, rear end collisions, running red lights, and drivers losing control. The extra weight can also lead to rollovers. These are more common during maneuvers or when the truck goes over bumps or uneven surfaces.
When trucks are overweight, they are harder to steer and stop. This can make truckers less responsive to other drivers on the road and increase their stopping distance, raising the risk of collision.
When cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit, increasing the risk of a rollover. It can also fall out of the truck, posing hazards to other drivers. A trucker who loses part of their extra load could cause an overweight truck crash in Pinellas County without even realizing that they are losing cargo.
The good news is that these types of wrecks are entirely preventable. The bad news is that truckers, trucking companies, and third-party loaders are responsible for taking the necessary steps to prevent them.
In addition to checking that a truck’s cargo does not exceed the legal weight limits, loading companies need to ensure that they are correctly loading cargo and that loads are properly balanced.
Truckers in Pinellas Park can reduce the risk of overloaded truck accidents by using weigh stations to verify that their loads are within legal limits. They also need to double-check the loaded cargo to ensure it is adequately secured so that it will not shift or fall off.
Owner-operators or trucking companies can also take steps to reduce the risk of these wrecks. Trucks need regular maintenance to ensure that all components, including tires, brakes, and suspension, are in good working order. While overweight loads can damage even well-maintained vehicles, the risk increases when they are combined with poorly maintained trucks.
In many truck accidents, the trucker is to blame. However, for accidents in Pinellas County caused by an overweight load, the trucking company and loading companies may be held at least partly responsible. Both are required to have significant insurance in Pinellas County in case they negligently cause an injury.
Investigating whether there is third-party liability can be crucial, as it may increase the potential compensation available to you and other victims. Since 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple vehicles and severe injuries, it can be easy to exhaust available insurance, and having additional resources can help lighten the burden for victims.
Truck accidents pose a risk of severe damage, especially when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle. Unfortunately, this often occurs in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Pinellas County.
If you have been a victim of one of these wrecks, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our dedicated legal professionals at Herman & Wells. We want to help you hold those responsible for your losses accountable and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
